He was born in Kingston on March 7, 1940, to Mrs. Ophelia and the late Mr. Levi James. One brother has preceded him in death, Mr. Robert James.
He was educated at Summer Hill High School, graduated and attended Reinhardt College, Bryant's Theological Seminary, Floyd Junior College, Carver Bible College and presently attending Andersonville College. He retired from the U.S. Army for 21 years of service. He was a member of Hickory Log Baptist Church of Canton, Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge #6 and served as president of the NAACP for 14 years in Cartersville.
The Rev. Thomas James was the former pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Cartersville, Second Baptist Church of Summerville, Sardis Baptist Church of Kennesaw and The Tree of Life of Kennesaw. He served in Kennesaw, at Friendship, First North Georgia Association and Cobb County Ministerial Allowance.
Survivors are his loving wife of 31 years, Mrs. Juanita Tinch James; children, Thomas (Christine) James, Sheila James, Tammie James Harris, Sallie (Howard) Smith, Sonya Cox, Robert (Debra) Smith II and Willie (Josellen) Smith; mother, Ophelia James; sisters, Stella Boykins, Leola Kent, Mary (Jarrod) Hollins; brothers, Jimmy (Betty) James, Mark James, Phillip James, Nathan (Nuanyai) James, Vernon (Corrie) James, Claude James, Frank (Helena) James, John (Barbara) James; 24 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at Cartersville First Baptist Church, 241 Douthit Ferry Road, with the Rev. Robert Holmes as eulogist. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Fellowship Baptist Church, Cartersville. Interment, Sunset Memorial Gardens with full military rites.
Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home Inc., Dalton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willisfuneralhomedalton.com.